Waukesha Board of Review upholds assessor's valuation amid public hearing disputes

The City of Waukesha Board of Review convened on June 6, 2025, to address property assessments and hear appeals regarding valuations. The meeting focused on the assessment of a specific property, where discussions centered on the credibility of evidence presented and the methodology used by the assessor.

The Board began by evaluating whether any additional factors should influence the assessment beyond those already discussed. Members acknowledged the importance of fair market value but noted that no new evidence had been introduced to justify a change in the assessed value. The consensus was that the comparable properties provided by the assessor were the most credible evidence available.

A key point of contention arose regarding the potential for property conditions to warrant a lower valuation. However, Board members emphasized their obligation to uphold the assessed value unless substantial evidence suggested otherwise. They expressed the need for tangible proof to support any adjustments, which was lacking in this case.

During the deliberations, one member suggested that a quote for window replacements could be considered to potentially reduce the property's value. However, the Board agreed that without concrete numbers, they could not make assumptions. The discussion highlighted the limitations of the Board's role, as they cannot independently assess property conditions or make guesses about values.

Following the discussions, a motion was made to affirm the assessor's valuation, citing that the evidence presented conformed to statutory requirements. The motion was seconded and put to a roll call vote, resulting in three votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. The Board confirmed that the assessed value would remain unchanged, and the property owner would receive the appropriate notices regarding the decision.

The meeting then transitioned to the next case, involving the property at 827 Concord Court, Waukesha, with an assessed total value of $646,300. The Board's structured approach to reviewing property assessments underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in maintaining fair property valuations within the community.